Fish sets sights on new season

Posted on October 7, 2010

As Mike Fisher waits for the puck to drop on his 11th season as a professional he can't help but feel pretty confident.

Fisher, who finished last season with career highs in goals (25) and points (53), says he feels physically fit and is ready to once again contribute to the Senators offence.

Many so-called experts have the Senators either missing the playoffs or barely squeaking in, but Fisher says he has full confidence in this year's roster and that he would love nothing more than to surprise a few teams along the way.

Despite the lack of faith, the Senators seem to be coming into the season with a little unfinished business after what they felt was too short a playoff run after losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in the opening round of last year's playoffs.

"It was definitely something to build on," Senators coach Cory Clouston said. "And I think it's created some motivation for us and some optimism, definitely, for this season as well."

Fisher agrees: "I think it could have been a different story last year with a few key (injured) guys in there. We were a really good team and there's no reason why we can’t be better than that this year. We’re all for surprising teams and teams maybe taking us a little lightly. But if we have a good start, things will change."

With three games in four nights the Senators will look to open the season strongly to not only gain some confidence, but send a message that they too will be contenders in the Northeast Division.

"We want to get off to a good start," said Fisher. "I think this weekend will be a good start, the key will be to play with consistency."